A few benefits...

In these times of economic uncertainty, most Americans are stressed about keeping their job, finding a new job, making ends meet a with less income, or finding their next meal. A comment the other day led me to think about some of the benefits of recessionary times. Here's what I've come up with:


1) Less junk mail: Banks have tightened their lending policy thus significantly reducing the number of credit card offers I get in the mail each week.
2) Thanks to #1, many trees are being saved resulting in better air quality.
3) Cheaper Gas: Who doesn't like filling up for only $15!?!
4) We can now sort of relate when our grandparents talk about the great depression.
5) Financial planners (and accountants) aren't so nerdy anymore. I knew you shouldn't have bought that SUV. A rainy-day account would have been a wiser choice. (Yes, you know who you are.):)
6) Maybe more people will listen to Suze Orman (or me) now. :) suzeorman.com - check it out!
7) Many arrogant males (and females) have put their pride away in a mere efforts to survive.
8) Those who have been scoffed at for being financial savvy are now enjoying their financial freedom because they are self-reliant while the former scoffers struggle.
9) Most people are a little kinder and long-suffering to the situations of those less fortunate.
10) We are now forced to use our minds to be creative in generating income. Some of the greatest ideas were invented during tumultuous times.
a. The electric razor
b. The car radio
c. The supermarket
d. The cotton tampon
e. The chocolate chip cookie
d. The laundromat
f. Monopoly
g. Xerography
Here's the website for history on the listed items:
http://images.businessweek.com/ss/08/12/1205_sb_necessity/index.htm

Can you think of any other benefits?